Iconic singer Cyndi Lauper announced earlier this week she was starting a homeless shelter for LGBT youth in New York. The singer said that up to 40 percent of homeless youth in the big apple identify themselves as LGBT. The youth are prone to physical violence and discrimination because of their sexual orientation on the street, which may endanger their lives. “This is shocking and inexcusable,” said the 1980s icon in a press release commenting on the revelation. Lauper, her manger Lisa Barbaris, Colleen Jackson and the West End Intergenerational Residence are cooperating in bringing the shelter to life. The shelter is named True Colors after one of Lauper's songs. True Colors Residence will be a permanent supportive housing program for LGBT youth ages 18-24-years-old. “Our primary goal is to provide a physically and emotionally safe and supportive environment that will empower our young residents to be the self-loving, happy, and successful individuals they were meant to be,” said Lauper. The TCR will feature a new and modern building with studio apartments for each resident and both indoor and outdoor community spaces to socialize or attend education and recreation programs. Each TCR resident will be responsible for paying affordable rent based on their income and will receive ongoing assistance in obtaining employment best suited to their individual interests and skills and a variety of social and educational support services will be available to all residents. The buliding is in its final stages and nearly complete according the Grammy winner. Lauper, a long time supporter of LGBT rights appeared in 2008 as the Grand Marshal at the San Francisco pride parade, one of the country's biggest. Lauper also launched “give a damn” campaign that calls for equality and gay rights. BM
